FG MOVES TO FAST-TRACK CONSTRUCTION OF DASIN HAUSA DAM, OFFERS RENEWED HOPE FOR FLOOD-PRONE COMMUNITIES

…as ICRC takes concrete steps to address perennial flooding caused by Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam

The Federal Government, through the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), has commenced concrete steps to accelerate the construction of the Dasin Hausa Dam, aiming to end decades of devastating floods affecting Taraba, Adamawa, Benue, and other river basin communities. The dam, first planned in the 1980s as a strategic buffer against floods caused by Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam, has remained stalled for over 40 years, resulting in recurring humanitarian crises.

Under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) recently convened a high-level meeting with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited to advance the project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The session, led by ICRC Director-General Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, reviewed implementation timelines, addressed regulatory concerns, and identified immediate actions to expedite construction.

Dr. Ewalefoh emphasised President Tinubu’s directive for innovative private-sector participation in critical infrastructure, highlighting that the Dasin Hausa Dam would mitigate annual flooding disasters, generate over 300 megawatts of electricity, and provide irrigation to more than 150,000 hectares of farmland in Adamawa, Taraba, and Benue states.

“The completion of Dasin Hausa Dam is not just about stopping floods—it’s about securing our future,” Dr Ewalefoh stated. “We have witnessed enough devastation from floodwaters released from Cameroon’s Lagdo Dam. This dam will protect communities, preserve livelihoods, boost industrial growth, and create thousands of jobs through enhanced irrigation farming and stable power supply.”

Engr. Lamu Audu, Managing Director of Mainstream Energy Solutions, expressed the company’s commitment to mobilising private-sector funds and technical expertise for the dam’s completion. He confirmed strong interest from international financiers, donor agencies, and the World Bank in supporting the project.

The Ministry of Water Resources assured stakeholders of its full support and agreed to set clear timelines to resolve all outstanding issues swiftly.

With this renewed momentum under President Tinubu’s administration, the Dasin Hausa Dam project is positioned as a transformative infrastructure investment, promising lasting solutions to flooding and unlocking significant economic opportunities for the nation.

…Prime Suspect Apprehended After Alleged Escape to Benin Republic

…Police Seal Off Church, Cite Threats of Retaliation

Tension has escalated in Lagos following the latest developments in the gruesome murder of Adedamola Ogunbode, a Lagos State University graduate, as the Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the location of his burial site. This confirmation comes after the arrest of the principal suspect, Olaoluwa Ajisomo, who had been on the run amid speculations that he had fled to the Benin Republic.

It was  gathered that Ajisomo was leading detectives to the site where Ogunbode was buried, signaling a major breakthrough in the case that has shocked the state and sent waves of outrage through the academic community and civil society.

Police Crackdown: Key Suspects in Custody

The Lagos State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the case, while five others remained at large. Among those apprehended was Whepetoji Sunday, a pastor who allegedly received N70,000 from the victim’s account, and Sheriff Adebayo, a church member accused of collecting N300,000.

Adding another twist to the chilling case, the police arrested the prime suspect’s mother, Omolara Ajisomo, who reportedly aided her fugitive sons, Olaoluwa and Teniola Ajisomo, in evading law enforcement after they each withdrew N300,000 from Ogunbode’s account.

The arrest of the principal suspect, which took place on Monday morning in the Alakuko area of Lagos, has shed new light on the case. Confirming the development, Lagos State Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that Ajisomo was directly responsible for emptying Ogunbode’s bank account using the deceased’s mobile phone.

“The principal suspect, Olaoluwa Ajisomo, was arrested yesterday (Monday) morning in the Alakuko area. He was the one who cleared the victim’s bank account through the victim’s mobile phone,” Hundeyin disclosed.

Shocking Confession Leads Police to Burial Site

Hundeyin further confirmed that Ajisomo had confessed to the murder and was cooperating with the police to locate the shallow grave where Ogunbode was buried.

“The shallow grave is not within the church premises, as some social media speculations suggested, but it is located in the same community,” he clarified.

Meanwhile, sources involved in the investigation informed PUNCH Metro that police detectives were en route to exhume the victim’s remains.

“I just received information that the newly arrested suspect has confessed to killing the LASU graduate, and the police are on their way to the burial site,” the source disclosed.

When our correspondent reached out to Hundeyin for further confirmation, he responded with a single word: “Confirmed.”

Police Seal Off Church, Prevent Retaliatory Arson

Amid rising tension, the Lagos State Police Command has taken preemptive action by sealing off the church where one of the arrested clerics worshipped. This move comes after intelligence reports suggested that an angry mob was planning to set the building ablaze in retaliation for the murder.

“The church was sealed following intelligence reports that some people planned to burn it out of vengeance, and we do not want that to happen,” Hundeyin stated.

Growing Public Outrage and Demand for Justice

The gruesome killing of Ogunbode has sparked widespread condemnation from students, human rights groups, and Lagos residents, with many demanding swift and severe justice for the perpetrators. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take full control of the case.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State University Students’ Union, angered by the brutal murder of their colleague, had earlier threatened a statewide protest to demand accountability. With the latest arrests, attention is now focused on the legal proceedings that will follow, as Nigerians call for the full weight of the law to be brought down on the killers.

As the investigation intensifies and more details emerge, the Lagos State Police Command has assured the public that justice will be served.

…Government Officials Inspect Facilities, Enforce Public Health Measures

…Students, Staff Receive Emergency Vaccination Amid Growing Concerns

Panic gripped parents and stakeholders as the Lagos State Government rolled out an emergency vaccination campaign at King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island, following a confirmed diphtheria outbreak that has already claimed a life. The swift response is aimed at halting the spread of the highly infectious bacterial disease, which poses a severe public health risk if left unchecked.

Leading the urgent intervention, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, along with key government officials, stormed the school premises for an on-the-ground assessment and vaccination rollout. The delegation included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, and the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke. Their mission: to contain the outbreak and restore confidence among worried parents.

Authorities Move Swiftly to Prevent Further Casualties

Addressing the press, Prof. Abayomi acknowledged the gravity of the situation but assured the public that rigorous containment measures were already in place.

“We were very concerned about the ongoing outbreak of diphtheria at King’s College Annexe, which has persisted for about ten days. Tragically, we lost a student, but since identifying the outbreak, we have screened affected individuals, placed them on antibiotics and anti-serum treatment, and I am pleased to report that those under medical care are responding well,” he stated.

To ensure the safety of students and staff, the government has intensified its response strategy, conducting a thorough inspection of school facilities, including dormitories, classrooms, kitchen areas, dining halls, and sanitation units. Officials emphasized that improving hygiene and ventilation is critical in combating the spread of the airborne disease.

Emergency Vaccination Begins as Officials Clamp Down on Risk Factors

The most critical phase of the containment strategy is the immediate administration of diphtheria booster vaccines to students and staff. With medical teams deployed by the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, the government is racing against time to build herd immunity within the school community.

“Routine immunization covers diphtheria, but immunity wanes over time. This booster vaccination will strengthen the students’ defenses and prevent further spread,” Prof. Abayomi explained.

Acknowledging concerns over the potential spread beyond the affected location, he confirmed that vaccination efforts would extend to the school’s main campus in Igbosere, as students and staff frequently move between both sites.

Parents Urged to Keep Students in School Amid Containment Measures

Despite mounting fears among parents, health authorities strongly discouraged the withdrawal of students from the school, warning that premature exits could worsen the crisis.

“We understand the anxieties of parents, but pulling children out of school could backfire. A student may seem healthy but still be incubating the bacteria. If they return home, they could unknowingly spread the infection to family members and the wider community,” Prof. Abayomi cautioned.

He reassured parents that King’s College is currently operating under strict medical supervision, almost as an isolation center, with health professionals on-site to monitor and respond swiftly to any emerging cases.

What Happens Next?

As the emergency vaccination exercise continues, the Lagos State Government remains on high alert, ramping up surveillance efforts to ensure that no additional cases slip through the cracks. Schools, parents, and health officials are urged to cooperate fully to mitigate the crisis and prevent a full-blown epidemic.

The next few days will be critical in determining the effectiveness of the containment strategy. Meanwhile, public health experts stress the importance of hygiene, timely vaccination, and community awareness in averting further tragedy.